Winterize your garden using recycled plant material
In the next few months we will be heading into winter. Those who garden where temperatures get very cold will be required to prep their beds for sleep. Snow is a great insulator in areas where temperatures drop below freezing or zero. However, until several inches of snow have been obtained, plant roots are susceptible to damage and death.
Old vegetation can be recycled to winterize you perennials. You can use pretty much any vegetation, grass, annuals, perennial trimmings, pine needles, tree leaves, and even straw, but avoid hay! Remove any seed heads to avoid unwanted seedlings sprouting when using that vegetation as mulch.
Wait to cover your plants or roots until after the ground starts to freeze. If you cover them too soon rodents will find your winterizing efforts to be a comfy home and the plants you are trying to protect, a feeding ground. Again, caution, do not allow seed heads in areas you don’t want them sprouting.
Also, avoid using any diseased or insect-infected vegetation. For example, do not use vegetation such as annuals, that have powdery mildew. These plants will look like they have a greyish powdery mold on them and should be discarded and burned.